Hot property feels lure of union money

The financial gap between league and union is far greater than when Robinson switched codesDavid Rogers/Getty Images

When England’s rugby union side were knocked out of the World Cup in New Zealand, it was little surprise that Sam Tomkins was included by one newspaper in an England team for the 2015 tournament.

Tomkins, 22, is the most singular talent to emerge in British rugby league since Jason Robinson, England’s most successful convert. The economic disparity between the codes is a good deal wider now than when Robinson left Wigan for Sale in 2000. The stability brought by the £1.7 million Super League salary cap comes at a price. Clubs do not have the financial flexibility, or indeed muscle, to ward off union predators.

As Robinson proved, you do not need to know union laws if you are as blessed with natural skill.…